Friends of Ngong Road

We empower Nairobi children living in poverty to transform their lives through education and support, leading to employment.

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June 27, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno 1 Comment

Creating Techies

Kenya is a key player in Africa’s tech landscape and has experienced remarkable growth in technology adoption and innovation. The nation is known for its vibrant tech ecosystem, which has propelled it to the forefront of technological advancement in the region. Kenya boasts a thriving startup scene with numerous tech hubs and incubators, such as iHub and the Kenya Innovation Hub. These centers provide crucial support for entrepreneurs, offering mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to funding. Nairobi, the capital city, is a hotspot for tech startups, fostering innovation in various sectors including agriculture, health, education, and e-commerce.

Kenya is investing in education and skill development to nurture a tech-savvy workforce. Initiatives like the Presidential Digital Talent Program aim to develop ICT talent and bridge the skills gap. Universities and colleges are expanding their computer science and IT programs while coding bootcamps and online courses are becoming popular avenues for acquiring tech skills. Accordingly, Ngong Road Children’s Foundation has been creating programs aimed at fostering technological advancements for our students. 

NRCF’s technology programs are structured as below:

PrimarySecondaryPost-secondaryAlumni
Basic computer trainingAdvanced computer trainingComputer packages certificationTechMates programming and digital marketing training internships
Computer applications trainingProgramming coursesCoding boot campsLido Nation relationship for developer internship
Scratch programmingLaptop lending programsSmall business training
Creative sessionsDirectEd partnership
Science mill camps
Elimu Hub (Computer Lab + Library)Blockchain Lab
Kenya tech education

Michael, one of our 2023 high school graduates, exemplifies the success of our technology-focused programs. Below, he shares his experiences and those of his peers in embracing technology. 

“At the beginning of the year, we underwent computer training, which provided us with essential skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and email writing among others. This foundational knowledge prepared us for both academic and professional endeavors.

We then participated in a coding bootcamp offered by Directed Development Foundation. Throughout this program, we engaged in various technology-driven projects. For instance, we created a simple website using HTML, styled it with custom CSS, and made it functional with JavaScript. One of my projects was a website for a taco restaurant, where I structured, styled, and added interactive features.

Additionally, we developed a Chrome extension to save visited URLs and created personal professional portfolios to help us in our future careers. We also built a blog post platform using the MERN stack, enabling users to publish blog posts. Our training even extended to working with large language models, similar to ChatGPT.

Beyond the structured projects, I pursued personal endeavors during the bootcamp. I created a racing game, a PDF loader chatbot, and a political blog post. Currently, I am delving into machine learning, training generative pretrained transformers (GPT). My passion for technology has grown immensely, and I am thrilled to have a strong foundation in this field. In September, I will be joining the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) to study mathematics and computer science, which aligns with my interests and offers more advanced learning opportunities than the data science course I was initially selected for.”

Michael’s journey is an example of the impact of our technological programs and how our students can be prepared to thrive in their future careers. As the country continues to invest in education and skill development, tech programs like these are crucial in fostering the next generation of tech-savvy professionals. By nurturing young talents and equipping them with essential skills, Kenya is set to remain at the forefront of technological advancement, driving innovation and growth across various sectors.

June 27, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

Life at Boarding School in Kenya

Boarding schools for high school students is the norm in Kenya. Life in a boarding school is a deeply transformative experience, especially for students from less fortunate backgrounds like the ones in our sponsorship program. For these children, boarding school isn’t just a place of learning; it’s a place where they can escape the harsh realities of their everyday lives in the slums. From the moment they step through the gates of a boarding school, they start to experience a different kind of life, one they don’t get to see back at home. The daily struggles that defined their existence are replaced with stability and security.

In boarding schools, our students get to experience the joy of having their own bed for the first time. They no longer have to sleep on a cold, hard floor.  Instead, they have their own bed with clean sheets, a comfort they have never known before. It’s a simple pleasure that fills their hearts with gratitude and joy. Food is no longer a constant worry. At home, every meal is uncertain, and hunger is a familiar experience. But in the boarding schools, they are assured of regular, nutritious meals. For many of these students, the concept of personal space is foreign. At home, everything is shared, from clothes to toothbrushes, in the limited space in their tiny homes. At boarding school, they have their own space. They have their own locker to keep their belongings safe and their own desk to study.

Beyond physical comforts, boarding schools offer something more precious: a chance to focus on their education without the distractions and demands of their challenging home environments. Here, they can dream big, work hard, and strive for a future that once seemed impossible. They are surrounded by peers who share their aspirations and by teachers who believe in their potential. Every lesson learned, every book read, and every exam passed brings them one step closer to breaking the cycle of poverty in their homes.

When I was in high school, a day for me looked something like this. I would wake up at 4 am in the morning. I would take a cold shower, as hot baths were only given to students who had medical conditions like asthma. The rest of us had to take a cold bath. I would prepare myself for the day which would take me about an hour and a half because I would need to get in line and wait for my turn to take a bath as bathrooms were few. I headed to class at 5:30 am as I waited to have breakfast which was being served at 6 am. After breakfast, we were required to go to class for our morning “prep” which ended at 8 am. ‘Prep“ is when students do their personal studying and preparation for the day.

Learn about the transformative experience of life in a boarding school in Kenya and how it impacts students' education and personal growth.

Classes went from 8 am to 4:15 pm, with tea and lunch breaks being served at 10 am and 1 pm respectively. After 4:15 pm, I would go for my extra-curricular activity which, in my case, was music festival training. Other students preferred to take this time to take a nap from the tiredness that comes with sitting in a classroom for hours. At 6 pm, dinner is served.  I then had to go back to class for my evening “prep” which would start at 7 pm and end at 9 pm. Two or three teachers would be around at this time to monitor students and, if needed,  give out punishments to anyone found outside the classroom or making noise in class during the session. The day would end at 10:30 pm when lights in the dormitories would be switched off. This structured environment instills discipline and time management skills, preparing students for the rigors of academic and professional life ahead.

Beyond academics, boarding school life fosters a strong sense of community and friendship. Living in close quarters with others from diverse backgrounds encourages students to learn from one another, fostering understanding and tolerance. Friendships formed in boarding school often last a lifetime, creating a support network that extends far beyond graduation. However, life in boarding school is not without its challenges. Homesickness is a common experience, especially for students who are away from home for the first time. Adjusting to the communal living arrangements and the absence of familiar surroundings can be daunting. Bullying is also a common challenge, especially for younger students who get bullied by the older students. However, in recent years, bullying has been significantly reduced, thanks to the strict consequences for those found engaging in such behavior.

Boarding schools are an important and life-changing experience for students. It is at this time that students explore and choose their career interests, get to experience life on their own, meet and make new friends from diverse backgrounds, and learn to follow set routines and rules. These experiences equip them for the life that lies ahead.

June 26, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

In Need of New Sponsors

The students highlighted below were at one time fortunate to have sponsors who supported their education, however, their sponsors are no longer able to continue with the support. These students now need new sponsors to complete the remaining part of their education. Without this support, they might be unable to finish their studies and never have the chance to transform their lives. Your sponsorship can make a big difference in these students’ lives:

Raymond

Meet Raymond, a 19-year-old dedicated student pursuing a diploma in software engineering. Raymond’s ambition to become a professional software engineer is not just a dream but a clearly defined goal that he works hard to achieve. Our program has been privileged to support Raymond, recognizing his incredible potential to make a positive impact in the tech industry and beyond.

From an early age, Raymond has shown a natural inclination towards computers. His participation in the DirectEd coding program was important, providing him with valuable skills that he is now applying in his software engineering course. This experience has solidified his passion and provided him with a strong foundation to build upon.

Raymond’s love for technology is reflected in his daily activities. Whether he is conducting research, spending hours behind his computer, or watching movies about tech innovations, Raymond’s enthusiasm for his chosen field cannot go unnoticed. As Raymond finishes his last year of post-secondary, can he count on you to sponsor the final stretch of his journey? Investing in Raymond’s education is an investment in a promising future. With the right support, Raymond can thrive in the dynamic tech landscape and bring about significant, positive changes

Sponsor Raymond.

Rahab

Meet Rahab, a bright 17-year-old high school student with a heart full of dreams and determination. Rahab loves to draw, not just as a hobby, but as a form of expression; a way to breathe life into her imagination. With each stroke of her pencil, she envisions a future where she’s not just an artist, but an interior designer shaping spaces and creating beauty. 

Through our program, she has found a community that nurtures her passions and equips her with essential life skills. Rahab has flourished from learning computer programs to developing vital skills for personal growth. She believes education is the key to unlocking a brighter future, not just for herself, but for her entire family. Rahab needs a new sponsor. With a sponsorship, she will continue to strive for excellence, knowing that with each step forward, she is breaking the cycle of poverty and paving the way for a better tomorrow. She is now a junior in high school, which means she needs roughly 5 years of sponsorship to help her complete her studies. 

Sponsor Rahab.

June 4, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

Kyalo, a successful entrepreneur

Kyalo’s journey began in 2007 when he joined the NRCF program, which supported him through both primary and high school education. Following his secondary education, he enrolled at NIBS College to pursue a Diploma in ICT. However, he decided to leave the program after completing the second module. Determined to advance his skills, he subsequently enrolled at Shalom IT Center, where he successfully completed the CompTIA A+ certification in June 2018.

Kyalo then started his professional career as a volunteer at the NRCF office, where he took on dual roles as an office messenger and a computer lab assistant. His responsibilities included monitoring and assisting post-secondary students during extended computer lab hours, helping students during school holidays with tasks such as writing emails to sponsors, acting as an office messenger, and handling scanning and photocopying duties. Concurrently, he worked as a Karibu Loo Associate.

In 2016, he transitioned to a formal employment contract with NRCF as a Computer Lab Assistant, a position he held until 2022. During this time, he provided individual support to children who exhibited either high potential or required additional help in their development. He also performed office messenger duties, entered data into Salesforce, and maintained the computer lab. His technical responsibilities included updating and maintaining lab equipment, designing organizational advertisement materials, managing social media, and providing technical support and training to staff, among other roles.

In 2023, Kyalo decided to start his own business which led him to establish Chalo J Design and Printing, a sole proprietorship aimed at delivering affordable, high-quality printing and design services to businesses and individuals. He has successfully collaborated with several organizations, including Don Bosco Youth Educational Services in Karen, Glad Kids Foundation in Ngando, Rising Duma FC, Kick Like Kenya, and Trinity Fitness Center. Alongside his design business, Kyalo also operates a children’s clothing business, managed by his spouse. The entrepreneurial skills and initial resources to start his businesses were acquired through the entrepreneurship program offered by NRCF, which provided him with essential skills and a starter pack to launch his ventures.

We are proud to see Kyalo successfully running his business from the skills he acquired from the employment programs that we facilitate and we wish him all the best in his endeavors. Join us in transforming a child’s life today.

May 24, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

Lydia’s educational journey to accountancy

Lydia joined the program in October 2009. She attended Jagiet Academy, where she completed her primary education and earned her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE). Demonstrating exceptional dedication, Lydia further sat for and passed the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and subsequently enrolled at Kenyatta University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance. 

After graduation, Lydia gained diverse work experience, serving in the School of Business at KCA University as a customer care representative at Zuku Limited and a sales associate at Platinum Credit Limited. Currently, she is employed as an accountant at Geokarma Construction Limited while furthering her accounting studies at KCA University.

Lydia expresses profound gratitude to the organization and her late sponsor. Her life has been transformed, allowing her to support herself, her mother, and her brother. She cherishes the unwavering support from her sponsor, who she fondly remembers as a special mother figure, and who has played an important role in shaping her into the great woman she is today. 

Beyond academics, Lydia benefited greatly from the program’s offerings, including life skills workshops, computer classes, and memorable summer camps. She has grown into a focused, principled, and organized young woman, content with her current life and eager for further growth. She extends her heartfelt wishes for the continued success of Ngong Road Children’s Foundation in supporting vulnerable students like her. Here is Lydia’s story captured in a video: Meet Lydia, a passionate accountant turning financial expertise into success!

Transform a child’s life today.

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Friends of Ngong Road
100 1st St S #581308
Minneapolis, MN 55458
(612) 568-4211 | info@ngongroad.org

EIN: 20-4690846

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